Preparation Team Leader

Cuisine Centre
SmartParc SEGRO, Derby, UK

Pay Rate: £17.25 per hour + £1.00 per hour night shift premium

About the Role

Working a 4-on, 4-off night shift pattern, you will lead a production team to ensure all stock keeping units (SKUs) are prepared, packed and dispatched in line with production plans. You'll maintain high standards of food safety, quality and product traceability while delivering operational targets and supporting continuous improvement.

Working Hours

• 40 hours per week
• 4-on, 4-off shift pattern
• Night shift: 22:00 to 06:30
• Flexibility on core hours available
• Occasional overtime may be required to meet business needs
• £1.00 per hour uplift for unsociable hours

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operational Support

• Lead the team to deliver daily production and packing targets.
• Prepare and pre-mix ingredients in line with production requirements.
• Work from product build guides to ensure accurate product assembly.
• Ensure products are packed within specified tolerances and quality standards.
• Promote a Right First Time (RFT) approach to production.

Quality, Food Safety & Compliance

• Maintain compliance with GMP, food safety and quality standards.
• Ensure accurate product traceability through recording of runtimes, date codes and FIFO processes.
• Complete all production documentation accurately and on time.
• Escalate any quality, stock or production concerns promptly.

Stock Control & Waste Management

• Maintain accurate inventory and material usage records.
• Support waste reduction initiatives across the operation.
• Ensure all waste is recorded and disposed of correctly.

Hygiene & Health & Safety

• Maintain high standards of hygiene and housekeeping across production areas.
• Ensure cleaning schedules are completed and records maintained.
• Promote a safe working environment and ensure correct PPE is always worn.
• Follow all company Health & Safety policies and procedures.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Lead, motivate and support the night shift team.
• Communicate effectively with the Production Manager and wider operational teams.
• Provide cover for the Production Manager when required.
• Work collaboratively across departments to support business priorities.
• Identify and contribute ideas for continuous improvement.

Key Competencies

Essential

• Previous experience leading or supervising a team.
• Knowledge of food hygiene, GMP and quality standards.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Competent IT skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organisation and time-management skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Flexible, proactive and reliable.
• Positive attitude with a strong team-focused approach.

About Cuisine Centre

As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Cuisine Centre is the food production division of the UK's largest contract catering business. We prepare millions of quality meals every year across five meal ranges, supplying customers nationwide across multiple sectors.

At Cuisine Centre, our people are the secret ingredient to our success. Our team of dedicated Foodists take pride in every detail because every meal matters. That's why we invest in our people, providing opportunities to develop, grow and build rewarding careers.

If you're looking to join a team where your work truly makes a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Our Core Values

Be a Foodist!

We're passionate about food and culinary excellence, putting care into every detail.

Do the Right Thing

We act with integrity and honesty to deliver quality products and services.

Take Responsibility

We take ownership of our actions and their impact on our customers, communities and environment.

Have Respect & Compassion

We value every individual and foster an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Your Benefits

• Free breakfast and lunch on shift
• Free on-site parking
• Convenient public transport links
• Perks at Work discounts and wellbeing platform
• Career development and progression opportunities
• "Pride in Every Plate" monthly recognition scheme
• Mental, physical and financial wellbeing support
• Company pension scheme
• Free Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Access to Compass Group UK & Ireland employee networks, supporting diversity, inclusion and belonging

About the Role

Working a rotation 4 on, 4 off shift pattern, you will be responsible for supporting nightly operations by leading a production team to ensure all stock keeping units (SKUs) are prepared, packed and dispatched in line with production plans. The role requires strict adherence to schedules, food safety standards and quality requirements, while maintaining full product traceability and achieving operational targets.

Working Hours

• 40 hours per week
• 4 on, 4 off shift pattern. Shift schedule: 22:00 - 06:30 (flexibility available on core hours)
• Flexibility and occasional overtime required to meet operational demands
• £1 per hour uplift to reflect unsociable working hours

Key Responsibilities

• Work from product build guides to complete production plans whilst maintaining compliance with GMP, quality and food safety standards.
• Lead by example to achieve daily packing targets ready for dispatch.
• Manage the preparation and pre-mixing of ingredients ready for production.
• Verify that correct ingredients are packed within build guide tolerances.
• Ensure full product traceability through accurate recording of runtimes, date codes and FIFO, helping to maintain accurate inventory and material usage records.
• Complete all required documentation accurately and promptly.
• Enforce company waste reduction policies, recording all disposals appropriately.
• Maintain a safe working environment, ensuring all team members adhere to Health & Safety policies and wear appropriate PPE at all times.
• Ensure hygiene standards are consistently met across all work areas, maintaining records of all cleaning activities.
• Lead, support and motivate the night shift team.
• Report any quality, stock or production concerns and communicate effectively with the Production Manager and cross-functional teams.
• Work collaboratively across departments, demonstrating flexibility to support other operational areas.
• Contribute ideas to support continuous improvement initiatives.

Production Support

• Ensure completion of the production plan using a Right First Time (RFT) approach.
• Work from product build guides, ensuring production is completed accurately and in line with instructions.
• Prepare pre-mixes and ingredients for finished goods assembly.
• Verify that correct ingredients are packed within build guide tolerances.
• Lead by example to achieve daily packing targets.

Quality, Food Safety & GMP

• Maintain 100% compliance with GMP, quality and food safety standards.
• Ensure full product traceability through accurate recording of runtimes, date codes and FIFO processes.
• Complete all documentation accurately and within required timescales.
• Promptly report any quality, stock or production concerns.

Stock & Inventory Control

• Maintain accurate inventory and material usage records.
• Support waste reduction initiatives.
• Follow correct waste handling and disposal procedures.

Hygiene & Cleaning

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness across all work areas and equipment.
• Ensure hygiene standards are consistently met.
• Use approved cleaning chemicals and appropriate PPE.
• Record all cleaning activities and dispose of waste appropriately.

Health & Safety

• Adhere to all company Health & Safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure team members always wear appropriate PPE.
• Maintain a safe working environment for yourself and others.

Teamwork & Continuous Improvement

• Communicate effectively with the Production Manager and cross-functional teams.
• Provide cover for the Production Manager during holidays and meetings as required.
• Lead, support and motivate the production team.
• Work collaboratively across departments.
• Demonstrate flexibility to support other operational areas within your capability.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support company objectives, including customer service, efficiency and waste reduction.

Key Competencies

Essential

• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Proficient IT skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Flexible, proactive and reliable.
• Positive, can-do attitude and strong team player.
• Previous experience leading or supervising a team.
• Knowledge of food hygiene and quality standards.

Our Four Core Values

Be a Foodist!
We are driven by a passion for food and culinary excellence, putting care into every detail.

Do the Right Thing
We always act with integrity and honesty because high standards create quality products.

Take Responsibility
We share responsibility for our actions on site and the wider impact on our customers, communities and environment.

Have Respect & Compassion
We recognise that every role helps make the dish. We put our people at the centre of everything we do.

Your Benefits

• Free breakfast and lunch provided on shift.
• Free on-site parking.
• Access to nearby public transport links.
• Perks at Work including discounts on high street brands and holidays.
• Career development and progression opportunities.
• "Pride in Every Plate" monthly recognition scheme with a variety of prizes.
• Mental, physical and financial wellbeing support.
• Company pension scheme.
• Free Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Access to Compass Group UK & Ireland employee networks, helping all colleagues feel empowered, valued and able to bring their authentic selves to work.